The Reoflex wet-on-wet primer application technology allows you to reduce the time of body repair by eliminating the long stage of complete polymerization and subsequent sanding. If you plan to paint the part on the same day as the body work, choose 2K acrylic primer With the possibility of inter-layer drying, it becomes a critical parameter for maintaining the production cycle. Correct use of this system requires strict adherence to time intervals, since violation of the drying regime will lead to either swelling of the enamel or poor adhesion of the topcoat.
Unlike the classical scheme, where the primer must completely harden within 24 hours, the “wet on wet” method involves applying paint to a material that has partially polymerized, but has already formed a film. Reoflex 2K in this context, it acts as a reliable connecting link, providing anti-corrosion protection and leveling out micro-irregularities. However, ignoring the instructions for mixing components or temperature conditions in the paint booth negates all the benefits of two-component chemistry.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up the drying of Reoflex primer with an open flame or a hair dryer at maximum power, as this will lead to boiling of the solvent inside the layer and the formation of craters at the finish.
Chemical composition and advantages of the Reoflex systemTwo-component acrylic primer Reoflex It is developed on the basis of high-quality acrylic resins, which provides it with excellent adhesion to various types of surfaces, including steel, aluminum, galvanized and old paintwork. The kit usually includes a base material and a hardener, which triggers an irreversible chemical polymerization reaction. It is the presence of a hardener that distinguishes this product from one-component primers, allowing the creation of a more durable and chemically resistant film.
One of the key advantages is high filling capacity, which allows you to cover the marks from sanding paper and minor defects in the putty without subsidence after drying. The wet-on-wet system is especially valuable in busy workshop environments where vehicle turnaround time directly impacts profits. When applied correctly, the primer does not require sanding if no more than 24-48 hours have passed since its application (depending on temperature), which saves abrasives and labor costs.
Anti-corrosion properties materials provide reliable protection of the metal from oxidation, even if the paint layer is accidentally damaged in the future. Modern formulas often contain anti-corrosion pigments that passivate the metal surface. This is especially important when repairing thresholds, arches and other elements exposed to aggressive environmental influences.- 🔹 High drying speed allows you to start painting 20-30 minutes after applying the last layer.
- 🔹 Excellent adhesion to putties, old enamels and various metals without the risk of peeling.
- 🔹 Minimal shrinkage during polymerization preserves the geometry of the removed layer.
- 🔹 Versatility of use for local repairs and full body painting.
Surface preparation and mixing of components
Before starting work, the surface must be carefully prepared: rust removed, degreased and sanded with an appropriate abrasive. For Reoflex primer it is recommended to use gradated sanding paper P240-P320, which will provide the necessary risk for mechanical adhesion. If putty is used, it must be completely sanded and dust-free, as primer will not hide deep scratches from coarse abrasives.
The components are mixed strictly in the proportion indicated by the manufacturer on the can, usually 4 parts primer to 1 part hardener. Usage measuring cups with graduation is mandatory, since the “eye gauge” is unacceptable in the chemistry of two-component materials. A lack of hardener will result in the soil not gaining hardness and being soft, while an excess can cause brittleness and cracking of the coating.
⚠️ Attention: After adding the hardener, the mixture has a limited pot life, usually 2-3 hours at 20°C, after which the material begins to thicken and becomes unsuitable for application.
To achieve working viscosity, a solvent is often added to the mixture, the amount of which depends on the temperature in the painting room and the application method (pneumatic or airless). In hot weather or when working in a small chamber, it is recommended to use slow solventto avoid too rapid evaporation and shagreen. In cold conditions, on the contrary, fast solvents are used, but strict care is taken to ensure that the surface temperature is not below +15°C.
Solvent selection table by temperature
For temperatures below 15°C, use fast solvent. For 15-25°C - standard. For temperatures above 25°C - slow solvent. Always test on a sample paint.
“Wet on wet” application technology
The basic principle of the method is to apply paint to a primer that has already lost its stickiness (flying off), but has not yet undergone complete polymerization. After applying 2-3 layers of primer Reoflex with interlayer drying for 5-10 minutes, it is necessary to wait the final interval before painting. Typically this period is from 20 to 40 minutes at a temperature of +20°C, but the exact time is always indicated in the technical data sheet of the specific product.
Application is carried out with a spray gun with a nozzle of 1.3-1.5 mm under a pressure of 2.5-3.5 atmospheres. It is important to apply the material in even stripes with a 50% overlap, avoiding the formation of sagging that can appear on glossy enamel. If the soil has stood for more than 24 hours (or 48 hours depending on conditions), it must be matted with abrasive P400-P500 and degrease before painting, otherwise the adhesion of the enamel will be impaired.
☑️ Checklist before painting
During the drying process, dust or moisture must not be allowed to enter the surface between the layers of soil, since in the “wet on wet” mode it will be too late to sand these defects. The chamber must be clean, and the airflow must be adjusted so as not to raise dust from the floor, but to effectively remove solvent vapors. Violation of cleanliness at this stage will lead to defects, which will have to be corrected by complete repainting.
Drying time and temperature conditions
Temperature is a critical factor for the polymerization reaction of acrylic primers. At a temperature of +20°C, the standard touch-drying time is about 20-30 minutes, however, when the temperature drops to +15°C, this interval can double. Forced drying with infrared lamps is allowed, but the distance to the surface must be at least 70-80 cm so as not to boil the solvent inside the layer.
If you work in conditions where the temperature drops below +10°C, using a wet-on-wet system becomes risky. The chemical reaction may simply stop, and the soil will remain soft indefinitely until it warms up. In such cases, it is better to wait for complete curing (24 hours), sand the surface and only then paint, sacrificing speed for quality.
Critical: Do not confuse touch-to-touch drying time with full cure time. For the “wet on wet” method, we are interested in precisely the first parameter, when the surface is dry to the touch, but inside there are active processes of adhesion of molecules to the future paint.| Air temperature | Drying time between coats | Time before painting (min) | Max. time before grinding |
|---|---|---|---|
| +20°C | 5-10 min | 20-30 min | 24-48 hours |
| +15°C | 10-15 min | 40-50 min | 48 hours |
| +10°C | 15-20 min | Not recommended | 72 hours |
| +60°C (Camera) | 3-5 min | 10-15 min | 12 o'clock |
Compatible with enamels and varnishes
System Reoflex designed to be compatible with most modern repair enamels, including acrylic, base and polyurethane varnishes. However, when working with aggressive solvents in some paints (for example, nitro enamels or cheap alkyds), the effect of “raising” the soil may occur. To avoid this, always perform a compatibility test on a test plate or in an inconspicuous area of the part.
When using a metallic or mother-of-pearl base, it is important that the primer is perfectly smooth, since these types of paints do not hide, but rather emphasize, defects in the substrate. If the primer was applied several days ago and has had time to fully polymerize, it must be matted to ensure mechanical adhesion to the new layer. In the “wet on wet” mode, adhesion is ensured due to the chemical interaction of the paint components and residual active groups of the primer.
Tip: When switching to a new brand of paint or primer, always buy a small test jar to check the chemical compatibility of the materials before making major repairs.
Typical errors and ways to resolve them
One of the most common mistakes is applying too thick layers of soil in the hope of covering the risk faster. This causes the top crust to dry out, trapping the solvent inside, causing blistering when paint is applied or dried. Another common issue is improper mixing, where the hardener is not fully incorporated, leading to soft spots that remain tacky forever.
If after painting defects such as “orange peel” or dull spots appear, the cause is often a violation of the drying interval or incorrect selection of solvent. If the primer has been overdried (more than 48 hours have passed) and painted without matting, a lack of adhesion may be observed, up to the paint peeling off in layers when washed or heated.
- 🔸 Bubbles appear: Too thick layer or insufficient drying between layers.
- 🔸 Paint peeling: The primer has not been sanded or the surface has been poorly degreased.
- 🔸 Craters: Contact with silicone, oil or use of a dirty compressor.
- 🔸 Roughness: Dust ingress during the drying process or a dirty spray gun.
Main conclusion: Compliance with drying time intervals and cleanliness in the paint booth are more important than the number of coats of primer applied.
Is it possible to apply Reoflex primer to old paint without sanding?
It is strictly forbidden to apply primer to smooth old paint without sanding. The surface must be matted with P400-P500 abrasive to create a mechanical scratch, otherwise adhesion will be zero and the new layer will fall off.
What to do if the soil has not dried within the allotted time?
If the primer is sticky after the drying time has elapsed, the mixing proportions may be incorrect, the room temperature is too low, or a low-quality hardener has been used. It is necessary to increase the drying time or raise the temperature. If more than 24 hours have passed and the softness remains, the layer must be removed.
Do I need to sand the primer if painting is in 2 hours?
No, if you fit within the wet-on-wet interval (usually up to 24-48 hours), sanding is not necessary and is even harmful, as you will disturb the developing film. Sanding is only necessary if the primer has sat for the maximum amount of time before painting.
Which solvent is best to use for Reoflex primer?
It is recommended to use branded Reoflex solvents or high-quality analogues that correspond to the temperature in the painting room (630, 640, 650 series). The use of aggressive solvents (eg 646 in large quantities) may cause the underlying layers to dissolve.
Is it possible to dry Reoflex soil with an infrared lamp?
Yes, infrared drying is great for speeding up the process. The main thing is to maintain a distance to the surface (at least 70 cm) and not to overheat the layer so that the solvent does not boil, creating craters or bubbles.